Why Are My Baby's Nipples Pink... And more weird questions I definitely didn’t need to look up online.
Let’s set the scene. You’re awake in the middle of the night with your baby and they get the hiccups again. “That’s the fourth time this week.” You think. “Didn’t you just read something about hiccups causing lack of oxygen? No that’s not right. Maybe? Is that why their nipples are pink? Oh no. Are their nipples supposed to be that specific shade of pink? Should they be less pink? More pink? I should just check it out online real quick…”Why are my babies nipples pink?
When do newborns blink more often?
Teething at 4 months, is this possible?
Why are they spitting up every day?
Baby won’t settle at 6pm every night?
What does lethargic mean?
Newborn awake at 2, 3, and 4am. *insert any possible rashy disease* pictures. These aren’t even half of the searches I did in my first 6 months of parenthood. Looking these things up rarely gave me clear answers and almost always left me feeling a little unsettled. Even when I did get an actual answer, I would end up discrediting the source because, well, it was just the internet! So why do we get the urge to search every little thing that we think could possibly be wrong with our baby? For me the answer was postpartum anxiety. Going down the online rabbit holes, thinking yourself in circles, and fixating on the little things. These things may point to a deeper problem. Here are a few steps to take once you recognize possible signs of postpartum anxiety:
Take care of yourself. This probably sounds like an obvious answer. And it is. There is no cure all for anxiety. There isn’t a magic button. There is however tremendous power of a good meal, a warm shower, and a cozy blanket. Take care of yourself.
Build your support system of loving humans. The internet is a beautiful place filled with wonder. And there’s something even more wonderful about asking a good friend if their baby ever had trouble sleeping at this age. I’m willing to bet they’d welcome the conversation.
Talk to your healthcare provider. You have options for your care. If your anxiety is having an impact on your day to day life or is affecting your relationships, a talk with your healthcare provider may be the right call.
Consider counseling. Your thoughts are not bigger than you. A counselor can help reframe your thoughts. They’re a powerful tool to add to your metaphorical toolbox.
Be kind to yourself. Bringing a new human into the world is a huge change to your life. Being this anxious is common and not normal all at the same time.
You can get through this.
You can do hard things.
You are enough.
Meet Abi
I live a full and vibrant life in my small town of Platte City, MO with my pets, partner, and awesome kiddo. Our home is filled with found/made art and I aim to make it a haven for lost souls. I drink cold brew every day, light sage and sacred wood to calm my spirit, and I am on a quest to cover my body with as much beauty as I hold in my soul.